Fan Favorite Pizza Sauce

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A good pizza starts with a great sauce—and this fan favorite pizza sauce is exactly that. Rich, thick, and bursting with bold tomato flavor, this sauce hugs every inch of dough and turns homemade pizza night into something unforgettable. Whether you’re building a thin crust Margherita or loading it up with meats and veggies, this sauce elevates every bite.

Made with pantry staples and no added sugar, this pizza sauce is simmered to deepen the flavors and bring out the natural sweetness of tomatoes. It’s hearty without being overpowering, smooth yet robust, and perfectly seasoned with a balanced blend of garlic, herbs, and a touch of heat.

Why You’ll Love This Fan Favorite Pizza Sauce

This sauce is a weeknight win because it’s simple to make but delivers that pizzeria-style taste we crave. It’s freezer-friendly, vegan, gluten-free, and made without preservatives. It comes together in under 30 minutes and stores beautifully—perfect for meal prep or spontaneous pizza cravings.

You can also use it beyond pizza! Spoon it over calzones, use it as a dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks, or stir it into baked pasta dishes when you’re in a pinch.

What Kind of Tomatoes Should I Use?

Canned crushed tomatoes are the heart of this recipe. They provide a smooth consistency that holds up well on pizza dough and absorbs the seasonings better than fresh ones would in a quick-cook sauce. If you prefer a chunkier texture, swap in diced tomatoes and lightly mash them while simmering. San Marzano tomatoes are especially great if you want an Italian-style depth in your sauce.

Ingredients for the Fan Favorite Pizza Sauce

Making this sauce from scratch doesn’t require much—just a few humble ingredients that transform when simmered together. Each one brings something essential to the final flavor.

• Olive Oil – Adds depth and richness and helps infuse the herbs.
• Garlic – Fresh minced garlic delivers a pungent, savory base.
• Crushed Tomatoes – The star of the show, giving the sauce body and vibrant flavor.
• Tomato Paste – Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
• Dried Oregano – Classic pizza herb that gives the sauce an Italian flair.
• Dried Basil – Rounds out the oregano with a sweet, earthy balance.
• Sugar – Just a pinch to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
• Red Pepper Flakes – Optional, but a bit of heat takes the sauce up a notch.

How To Make the Fan Favorite Pizza Sauce

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

Start by heating olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 2: Add Tomato Base

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to caramelize slightly. This step deepens the flavor. Then, pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir until combined.

Step 3: Season It Up

Add in oregano, basil, sugar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything well to fully incorporate the spices into the sauce.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Let the sauce simmer uncovered on low for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. It will thicken naturally as it reduces and the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Blend (Optional)

For a completely smooth sauce, use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree it. This is optional—some love a bit of texture on their pizza.

How to Serve and Store This Sauce

This recipe makes enough to generously sauce 2–3 large pizzas or about 4–6 personal pizzas. You can double the batch if you’re meal prepping or hosting pizza night.

To store, let the sauce cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw and warm it up when ready to use.

What to Serve With Pizza?

Cheesy Breadsticks

The perfect dunking companion. Crispy edges with melty cheese plus this sauce? Yes, please.

Garlic Knots

Soft, garlicky knots taste even better when dipped into warm pizza sauce. A classic pizzeria side.

Fried Mozzarella Sticks

Homemade or store-bought, mozzarella sticks are made for this sauce. It’s an ideal pairing.

Calzones

Stuffed with cheese and meats, calzones love a bold sauce on the side or even spooned inside.

Italian Meatballs

Spoon this sauce over meatballs and top with grated parmesan for a hearty, comforting snack.

Chicken Parm Sliders

Turn the sauce into a mini sandwich essential with breaded chicken, mozzarella, and fresh basil.

Zucchini Pizza Bites

Lighten things up with roasted zucchini rounds topped with cheese and this incredible sauce.

Want More Sauce & Savory Ideas?

If this fan favorite pizza sauce made your night, you’ll definitely enjoy these comforting mains:

• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is cozy and packed with richness.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce brings bold flavors to pasta night.
• Creamy Beef and Shells is a dinnertime lifesaver with a nostalgic twist.
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is a one-pan meal dream.
• One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta combines smoky, creamy, and savory in every bite.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it when pizza night calls!

And let me know how you used it. Did you spice it up or go classic? Maybe you used it on something unexpected?

I love hearing how these recipes get used in creative ways. Drop your questions or versions in the comments—let’s keep the sauce magic going.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and more cozy recipes on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next kitchen obsession.

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